TodayPSU football: O-line gears up for Zips
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Penn State head coach Joe Paterno answers questions at Tuesday's press conference. Penn State gears up for its opener against Akron Saturday. (Associated Press)
Even though most eyes will be transfixed on quarterback Anthony Morelli and his ability to lead the Nittany Lions offense Saturday in the season-opener against Akron, Penn State head coach Joe Paterno will have his eyes fixed on his young and untested offensive line.
“That is probably my biggest concern because a lot of those kids have never been in a football game,” Paterno said during his weekly teleconference Tuesday. “(A.Q.) Shipley hasn't played much at center. I think that offensive line is going to have to take a lot of pressure on them, particularly the way Akron plays football.”
The Zips, who are preseason picks to repeat as champs in the Mid-Atlantic Conference, run a 3-5-3 defense that Paterno says his Lions “have not practiced against.”
Aside from left tackle Levi Brown, the O-line is completely fresh and the veteran coach is anxious to see how his line handles all the stunts and various defensive looks Akron is bound to deliver.
Paterno kept talk of Morelli, who will be making his season debut against the Zips, short Tuesday.
“I think Anthony will be fine,” he said.
Cumberland Valley High School grad Dan Lawlor's move to the backup fullback position was no surprise to Paterno even after the veteran coach questioned Lawlor's aggressiveness and toughness two weeks ago at media day. Paterno said he expects big things from the sophomore fullback as well as East Pennsboro graduate Mickey Shuler, third on the depth chart at fullback and tight end.
“I think Lawlor is doing alright,” Paterno said. “He is second at fullback right now. He and Mickey Shuler are both going to be good football players eventually. I was needling Dan, and I like to needle these kids once in a while in the press. If they get angry with somebody, they can get angry with me. Dan will be OK, and so will Mickey Shuler from down in central Pennsylvania. Both of those kids to eventually be pretty good football players.”
Backup tailback Austin Scott is still questionable for Saturday's game due to a sore ankle. Paterno said Scott attempted to practice on Monday but was bothered by his injury. A decision on Scott, who can possibly redshirt this season, won't be made until the end of the week, Paterno says.
“I think he has a chance to play a lot,” Paterno says. “And if he does, he will be a big help.”
Notes: Paterno tied the University of Chicago head coach Amos Alozo Stagg for most years at one school. Stagg coached at Chicago from 1892-1932. ... Kickoff for Saturday's game is 3:30 p.m.
